My Second Mhendi

And I am finding alternative mediums that stain as the henna is most
cumbersome to work with. The best thing I have found so far is sunless
suntan lotion (ssl). I put it in a craft bottle with a tiny holed tip and
use it that way.

I have done my foot and ankle that way... but am not exactly sure how to
explain the setting process... not sure if leaving it on does it or if
squirting in in the design, then washing it off will do it. It's harder in
a way since any smudges results in tanning instead of a design... and since
it's light and soaks in, wiping it is kinda difficult. But, the best part
is the ssl lasts a LOT longer than the mhendi. I swim daily in several
different pools throughout the week... and while the mhendi faded very
quickly with the chlorine... the ssl marks have great staying power.

I am also experimenting with hair tint... the stuff that's sold in tatt and
body piercing studios. I gave myself a purple mole on my left hand (as the
center to a mhendi'd flower) and while the color stayed nicely for four
days, it is fading quickly now. Many who saw the mhendi asked if I could do
colors... their seeming to enjoy the temp status of something on them
instead of the (to me) spiritual aspect of mhendi... so am torn. Until I
figure it all out, I can experiment on myself :) Next I am trying those
thick cake icing colors sold in craft stores. I need a slew of those craft
bottles with tips!

Enjoy the mhendi... and remember, they were my first... rather
thick-lined... but I am working on technique :)

Barb
aka gardenia ...who will describe her making mhendi paste from scratch
when she does it

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